Influences on Grief and its Expression
Gender |
Although there are some societies in which men cry along with women after bereavement, whenever differences are found it is the men who inhibit the expression of grief (Rosenblatt 1976). | ||||||
Age |
While newborn babies cry when separated, true grief depends on the development of object constancy, the idea that others continue to exist when not near. This begins by the end of the first year.
Toddlers play ‘death games’ but the idea that the dead do not return takes longer to become established, even so they do grieve when separated for any length of time. In later childhood, children grieve in much the same way as adults but their grief is often complicated by the failure of parents and others to communicate with them about these important events in their lives (Oltjenbruns 2001). Misunderstandings commonly arise and may cause later problems. Although bereavements are common in old age, the elderly often grieve less than younger persons, perhaps because they are better prepared for loss (Lund 1989). |
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Culture |
Religious and other cultural beliefs, rituals and mores have a considerable influence on grief. At times of war and among martial races the inhibition of grief is common (Parkes 1996). | ||||||
Type of Bereavement |
The stronger the attachment the greater the grief.
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Mode of Death |
Deaths that are both unexpected and untimely, particularly if by human agency and/or accompanied by violence or mutilation are particularly traumatic and may give rise to severe anxiety/panic, post-traumatic stress, and/or delayed grief (Stroebe 2001). | ||||||
Personal Vulnerability |
Risk factors for problematic bereavement are (Parkes 2004):
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Social Supports |
Social isolation and families that are seen as unsupportive give rise to intense loneliness and complicated grief after bereavement, particularly in old age (Raphael 1984). |